How to donate to Australia’s bushfires
Image credit: Reuters, AAP
Australia’s hellish wildfires have been blazing since September 2019, and though some rain brought relief last night, the situation continues to intensify. The death toll is now up to 24 people, with over 2,000 homes and 6.3 million hectares of land destroyed.
If you’re sitting from where you are wondering how you can help even from miles away, hope is not lost. Here’s a list of legitimate donation sites for organisations and relief causes to do what we can to help.
– WILDLIFE RESCUE –
Image credit: Reuters
It’s devastating to know that almost half a billion animals have lost their lives to the fires, which is a number that’s quite hard to wrap our heads around.
Organisations and hospitals all across the country are doing their best to help injured animals and protect Australia’s fauna, like the following:
- RSCPA New South Wales Bushfire Appeal
- WIRES Emergency Donations for sick and orphaned animals
- Mogo Zoo Fire Recovery for animal food and water
A rescued kangaroo with burned foot pads
Image credit: Jill Gralow/Reuters
- World Wildlife Fund for koala care, such as planting trees and medical treatment
- Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
- South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management
- Port Macquarie Koala Hospital for thirsty koalas
You can also read more about Port Macquarie Koala Hospital’s efforts here:
– FIRE SERVICES –
Image credit: AAP
Many of those who have risked their lives include volunteer firefighters, whom we can help by donating to local fire brigades.
- New South Wales Rural Fire Service
- Victoria Country Fire Authority
- South Australia Country Fire Service
- Queensland Rural Fire Brigades Association
Sadly, Australia has seen the loss of 3 volunteer firefighters over the course of December. If you would like to help their families, you can do so via NSW’s Rural Fire Service page here.
– GENERAL DONATIONS –
Hundreds of families have been displaced from their homes because of the fires
Image credit: AAP
Here are relief funds that accept monetary donations as well as goods for families and individuals in need. The organisations have also provided steps for international donors to follow.
- Queensland Fires 2019
- Australian Red Cross
- Bendigo Bank Bushfires Appeal
- Kangaroo Island Mayoral Relief & Recovery Bushfire Fund
- State Emergency Relief Fund
- Salvation Army Emergency Services Disaster Appeal
- St. Vincent Bushfires Appeal
- Mallacoota Fires Support Fund
Note: While item donations are welcome, it is recommended to donate money instead as this is more convenient for volunteers and can prevent them from receiving goods that cannot be used.
International donations can help during this time
Whether you’re situated in Thailand or anywhere else in the world, you are never too far to lend a helping hand to Australia during this heartbreaking time. A little goes a long way, so spread the good word and we hope the situation gets better soon.
Know any other means to help? Share it with us in the comments below.
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